Charging station for electric vehicles as well as interface device in such a charging station and method for operating a charging station

Abstract

Provided is a charging station for electric vehicles. The charging station includes a charge control circuit designed to control a charging process of an electric vehicle at the charging station, a communication module having a charge control interface designed for communication with the charge control circuit, and an operator interface designed for communication with a control centre external to the charging station. A first protocol is implemented in the operator interface for communication with the control centre. Improved interoperability is ensured by providing an interface device arranged at the operator interface in the charging station. This interface device communicates with the operator interface by means of the first protocol and with the external control centre by means of a second protocol which is different from the first protocol.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation of PCT / EP2016 / 062400, filed Jun. 1, 2016, which claims priority to German Application No. 10 2015 113 799.2, filed Aug. 20, 2015, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The subject matter relates to a charging station for electric vehicles. The subject matter further relates to an interface device in such a charging station and to a method for operating a charging device.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]These days, charging stations communicate with a control centre via a data connection. Such a control centre forms a so-called back end, by means of which charging processes can be started and stopped with the charging station via the data connection. In addition, fault analyses and remote maintenance can be carried out in the charging stations via the back end.[0004]As part of setting up a charging infrastructure, initia...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text proposes a solution for adapting charging stations to different operators and back end systems without requiring a manual exchange of hardware or the sending of a technician. The interface device is designed to receive an identification module for secure communication with a control centre via a wireless network, such as a cellular mobile network. This allows for the implementation of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for direct communication with a closed user group. The technical effects of this solution include improved flexibility and security for charging station operators.

Problems solved by technology

The problem is, however, that there is still no sufficiently specified protocol which ensures standardised communication between charging stations or charge controllers of different producers with back end systems.

There is a further problem that as a result of the distributed infrastructure an exchange of communication modules, which are installed in the charging stations for communication with back end systems, is extremely complex.

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